Part VI: Additional Pig Anatomy

1. Organism: Give an example of a simple structure/function relationship pertaining to the human body. The structure/function relationship should be visible from the outside of the body (don’t use parts that are on the inside). Be sure your explanation includes a discussion of the structure, function, and the relationship between the two.

1. Organ System: Pick a human organ system. Describe what role it plays in maintaining homeostasis. Also describe how it works with at least 2 other systems. (For example, the excretory system works closely with the circulatory system. The circulatory system brings blood to the kidneys, which are the main organ of the excretory system. The kidneys filter the blood, creating urea, which is then combined with water to create urine. The urine is then released form the body.)The circulatory system plays a main role in maintaining homeostasis. It helps to transport oxygen-rich blood throughout the body and to the heart. This is necessary for normal everyday function. It also exchanges tissue fluids in various places throughout the body. With this in mind, it works closely with the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps to exchange fluid tissue with the systemic veins from the circulatory system. It also works with the respiratory system. Carbon dioxide can be traded for oxygen when blood passes through the body. Then, the carbon dioxide is exhaled. Without the ability to breathe, we would not be able to maintain homeostasis, since carbon dioxide releasing is an important aspect of it. Source:http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/maderbiology/supp/homeo.html
2. Organ: Pick an organ within your organ system from above. What is this organ’s specific function? How does its structure relate to its function? Be sure your explanation includes a discussion of the structure, function, and the relationship between the two. A major organ within the circulatory system is the heart. The main function of the heart is to contract regularly and continuously, pumping blood to the body and the lungs. The pumping action is caused by a flow of electricity through the heart that repeats itself in a cycle. The structure of the heart made up of four chambers. There is two at the top (atria), and two at the bottom (ventricles). The function is related to the structure by the SA node, which is in the top chamber, triggers the heart to contract and rise. The electrical impulses causing the atrium to contract and to pump blood into the lower chamber is triggered by the SA node. The electrical impulses then pass through the ventricles to form a "junction box" called the AV node. This impulse then spreads into the ventricles causing the muscle to contract and to pump blood to the lungs and the body.
3. Tissue: Discuss the tissues that make up your organ mentioned above. How do they work together? Which of the 4 types of tissues are present? (epithelial, connective, nervous, and muscle)

5. How are the cells of the above organ/tissue specialized (again, relating structure and function). What is the size/shape of the cell? Are there any special organelles? Are any organelles present in larger quantities?